Nick Fazekas scored a whopping 45 points to lead the Petron Blaze Boosters to a, 102-88 bashing of the Air21 Express last night in the 37th PBA Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.
The 6-foot-11 Fazekas went 14-of-21 from the field, leading the Boosters to their second straight win after starting the tournament with two straight defeats.
Fazekas, who completely outplayed his counterpart Marcus Douthit, who led the Express with 23 points, also sizzled in the defensive end by hauling down 22 rebounds.
Three Petron locals gave Fazekas much-needed support with Alex Cabagnot, Arwind Santos and Denok Miranda combining for 39 points.
The Express went into the game looking to score back-to-back wins after opening the competition with a, 97-88 win against the fancied Barako Bull Energy.
That win also snapped the Express’ 14-game losing streak.
With the win, momentum seemed to tilt towards Air21 as it led after the first quarter, 27-22. But the complexion of the game changed as the Boosters dominated the second period and erected a sizable, 48-39 lead at the bend.
The Express staged a mini run in in the final five minutes when they moved to within, 81-85. But the Boosters quickly put order back on the court by canning six straight points and the game wasn’t close after that.
Jojo Duncil scored 18 points, RJ Jazul and Renren Ritualo scored 12 points each, while Mark Isip donated 10 for the Express.
BOX SCORES
PETRON (102)- Fazekas 45, Cabagnot 13, Santos 12, Miranda 12, Ildefonso 7, Agustin 6, Yeo 3, Doruelo 2, Tugade 2, Reyes 0.
AIR21 (88)- Douthit 23, Duncil 18, Jazul 12, Ritualo 12, Isip 10, Omolon 6, Sison 4, Sena 2, Hubalde 1, Escobal 0.QUARTERSCORES: 22-27, 48-39, 72-69, 102-88.